An ileostomy is a specific type of ostomy where the colon is bypassed at the ileum, and a stoma is created on the lower abdomen to provide an exit for body waste.
An ileostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdomen in which a piece of the ileum (lowest part of the small intestine) is brought outside the abdominal wall to create a stoma through which digested food passes into an external pouching system.
A temporary ileostomy may be installed when a surgical site lower in the digestive tract needs time to heal. Examples include colorectal cancer surgeries, diverticulitis surgery, j-pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis. A temporary ileostomy is usually constructed with a “loop” stoma.
Permanent ileostomies could be required when the large intestine is removed and re-connection to the anus is not feasible, or when internal damage prevents any possibility of repair. Possible causes include Crohn’s disease, cancers, colonic dysmotility, endometriosis, some cases of ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis. A permanent ileostomy is usually constructed with an “end” stoma, but many people do have a permanent “loop” ileostomy (UOAA).
How to Care for an Ileostomy
Standard shower care is enough to keep the area clean, or a brief cleaning at every bag or pouch change- which is typically done every three to four days (for drainable bags). A “bag” or “pouch” is always worn to catch the fecal output.
Pouches are odor free and different manufacturers have disposable or reusable varieties to fit your lifestyle. Ostomy supplies are available at medical supply stores and through the mail and are not always covered by health insurance plans. Many of the top quality and most well-known ostomy brands are available on online websites such as Amazon, Walmart, and many others. There are a multitude of types of bags and pouches. Some are drainable and worn for days at a time. Others are single wear, and are changed daily. Some are two piece with a detachable bag. The type of bag one ends up with depends on their stoma, location of the stoma, and specific circumstance. Their surgeon or ostomy nurse will help to find and procure the correct supplies.
Living with an Ileostomy
Employment. Barring other side issues, comorbidities or other physical hindrances, working is possible with an ostomy. Except for those jobs requiring very heavy lifting. People in all professions have ostomies and are very productive members of society. Unfortunately, this is not always true for everyone, and some individuals may struggle more with side effects, output issues, bag adhesive issues, or other things that may prevent them from being able to maintain a full-time job or employment at all (UOAA).
Intimacy, Sex, and Social Life. Physically, the creation of an ileostomy usually does not affect sexual function. If there is a problem, it is almost always related to the removal of the rectum. The ileostomy itself should not interfere with normal sexual activity or pregnancy. It should not prevent one from dating and continuing relationships and friendships. The issues arise with mental and emotional health and often body image issues- all of which directly affect intimacy and sexual function.
Wardrobe. Depending on the stoma location finding clothing that feels and fits “right” might take some time after your body has adjusted to having a stoma and ostomy bag. There are some brands of ostomy clothing and underwear, but not all stomas were created the same, so not every garment may fit you as it should. Consider loose fitting clothing, leggings, or elastic waisted pants to give yourself the time and space to determine what your new wardrobe should contain.
Sports and activities. With a securely attached pouch you can swim and participate in practically all types of sports. Caution is advised in heavy body contact sports and a guard or belt can be worn for protection. Travel is not restricted in any way. Bathing and showering may be done with or without the pouch in place. For some individuals, showering and water-based activities can cause yeast and wetness issues underneath the bag or pouches adhesive. It is vital that the bag and adhesive area be completely dried after exposure via hair dryer or other wetness removing methods (UOAA).
Diet. Nutrition can be tricky and fickle after any ostomy surgery, especially ileostomy surgery. An ileostomy creates a small opening for fecal output release and large “chunks” of undigested food can cause a blockage. Blockages can be dangerous and require immediate hospital intervention. It is vital that the proper diet be followed at various stages of healing after ileostomy surgery.
Ostomy Tips and Tricks. Videos and post-operative tips on caring for and adjusting to life with an ostomy and more are available on the UOAA webpage, a Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation partnership with UOAA. There are also some well-known social media influencers that have ostomies and discuss them openly to help further education. Some of these are: the Vegan Ostomy, The Ostomy Ice Queen, Kya Jeub (known for taking ice baths to help with overall health), and “OstomyAndStuff” by Taylor Mitchell-Ross. Look them up on your favorite social media platforms!
Short Bowel Syndrome with Ileostomy
Short bowel syndrome is a rare but severe malabsorption issue. It generally occurs when a large portion of the small intestine has been removed by surgery or because of disease or injury. Know the symptoms and talk to a doctor to see if you are at risk.
People can have ostomies for various reasons to help them to continue with a reasonably normal life. Sure, some changes and accommodation will need to be made, but overall, the quality of life is often improved for those patients who and struggling. An ostomy is no longer a life-ending sentence, but instead a door to a better, more active life!
Citations:
UOAA
National Institute of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Vegan Ostomy